Note: This opportunity is only open to current MetroParks Historical Research Volunteers as an opportunity to gather together and share what research you have collected so far, ask questions, and receive guidance. It not open for new volunteer recruitment at this time.
Help Preserve Our Parks' Stories! Do you love local history and want to make a lasting impact? Five Rivers MetroParks is seeking volunteers to help document the historical significance of our parks - especially those that joined our system from the City of Dayton in the 1990's.
As a Historical Research volunteer, you'll collect and organize historical records, photos, and data researching park histories using archives, libraries and online resources, and catalog your findings into searchable formats for future interpretation. Best of all - you can work independently with regular check-ins with MetroParks staff, or at scheduled shifts with fellow volunteers and MetroParks staff.
Impact
This research helps us document the historical significance of Five Rivers MetroParks and adds richness to how we can interpret the parks to the public.
Tasks
- Assists staff with collecting and organizing all forms of records and data comprehensively with the goal of preservation and or interpretation at a later time.
- Research may require in-person visits to facilities that house information, such as Wright State University Archives or local libraries.
- Utilizes modern tools such as computer-based software programs to research and document information.
- Catalog information into searchable forms within the database.
- Maintains confidentiality of confidential or sensitive records and information.
Eligibility
- This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term, ages 18 and up who can provide 6-8 hours of service per month. Learn more about our types of service here.
Additional Information
- Getting Started: New research volunteers will interview with staff to determine which area of research will be a good fit. An overview of the volunteer opportunity and tasks will be provided. Periodic check-ins including scheduled in-person opportunities will be provided by the MetroParks' staff lead.
- Checking In: This opportunity is for scheduled service shifts for approved MetroParks Historical Research volunteers. Checking into a shift will automatically document your service hours. Volunteers will receive an email the morning of their scheduled shift with a link to easily check in. There is no need to check out unless you serve 15 minutes more or less than your scheduled shift. When not serving at scheduled shifts for this opportunity, volunteers will need to add hours to the flexible opportunity here.
- Parking and Meeting Instructions: Park in visitor spaces closest to the building or in the lot displaying your Five Rivers MetroParks volunteer parking hangtag. Take the elevator to the 3rd floor and check in with our Visitor Services desk.
- Inclement Weather: If the roads are too icy and snowy, this shift will be rescheduled for the following week at the same time if possible, and volunteers will notified by MetroParks staff.
Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Administration Volunteer Position for more information about Administration volunteer opportunities with us.
Looking for the MetroParks Historical Research - Flexible Scheduling opportunity for independent historical research? Here it is!
